If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve seen those dreamy Pinterest or YouTube journal spreads—the ones with soft brown paper, cute stickers, perfect handwriting, and decorations that somehow look effortless.
And then… you look at your own journal.
A little messy.
A little random.
A little “I tried… but I’m not sure what I’m doing.”
I get it.
I’ve been there too.
So let me tell you something honestly:
Aesthetic journaling is not about being perfect or artistic. It’s about being intentional.
Once you understand the basics—like choosing a color theme, keeping your materials organized, and using simple decoration techniques—your spreads will automatically start looking aesthetic.
Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know.
Not in a technical, complicated way, but in a friendly “come sit with me, let’s figure this out together” way.
Let’s begin.
So… What Does “Aesthetic” Mean in Journaling?
People use the word everywhere—“aesthetic photos,” “aesthetic desk,” “aesthetic notes.”
But what does it actually mean when it comes to journaling?
Here’s the simplest explanation:
Aesthetic journaling means creating journal pages that look visually pleasing, calming, and well-balanced.
It’s not about:
✘ expensive stationery
✘ advanced art skills
✘ perfect handwriting
It’s about:
✔ choosing a theme
✔ using matching colors
✔ keeping things neat
✔ layering papers beautifully
✔ adding little decorative elements
✔ leaving enough empty space
Aesthetic journaling feels soft, cohesive, and soothing to the eyes.
And guess what? You can achieve this even with scrap papers and a few stickers.
Why Aesthetic Journaling Feels So Relaxing
Let me share something from personal experience.
The first aesthetic spread I made didn’t look aesthetic at all.
But I remember how calm the process felt—ripping paper, choosing stickers, arranging little pieces.
It slowed my mind down.
It helped me stay present.
When people search for “aesthetic journaling,” they’re not just looking for beauty.
They are looking for:
- a creative outlet
- a peaceful activity
- a way to express emotions
- a place to organize thoughts
- something that feels like self-care
And that’s exactly what aesthetic journaling offers.
The Most Important Rule: Choose a Color Theme
Before you even touch your journal, I want you to do this one thing:
Pick your color palette for the page.
This is the foundation of all aesthetic journaling.
Choose only 2 or 3 colors.
Anything more will make your spread look confusing.
Here are some foolproof combinations:
- Beige + brown → vintage, cozy
- Green + cream → nature, calm
- Pink + white → soft, cute
- Lavender + grey → dreamy
- Black + white → minimal
- Blue + light beige → clean and cool
Now, gather all your materials that match this vibe:
- markers
- washi tapes
- stickers
- scrap papers
- pens
- photos
This one step makes your spread 80% more aesthetic.
Be Organized Before You Start
One thing people don’t tell you is that aesthetic journaling becomes fun only when you’re a little organized.
You don’t need a fancy drawer—just a small box or pouch is enough.
Keep inside:
- scissors
- glue
- washi tapes
- brown paper
- old book pages
- printable quotes
- stickers
- pens
When everything is in one place, you don’t waste time searching.
Your creative flow stays intact, and your spread feels smooth and enjoyable.
The Secret Layout Formula (This Works Every Time)
You might think aesthetic spreads look random, but trust me—there’s a simple structure behind almost all of them.
Here’s a layout formula you can steal:
1. Title on the top or top left
Write it neatly, or paste a small label.
2. Decoration cluster on one side
Usually left, but right works too.
3. Writing space on the other side
This balances the page.
4. Small stickers to fill gaps
Not too many—just enough to soften the edges.
5. Matching color theme throughout
This ties the whole spread together.
This simple structure gives your page an automatic aesthetic look.
How to Create Aesthetic Paper Decorations
Now let’s talk about the fun part—the decorations. Let us take the example of these two YouTube videos:
They are using a technique called paper layering or paper clusters. This is the heart of aesthetic journaling.
Step-by-Step: Make Your Own Aesthetic Paper Clusters
You will need:
- brown kraft paper
- old book pages
- scrap diary paper
- washi tape
- stickers (flowers, butterflies, stamps, etc.)
- glue
- scissors
Step 1: Tear Your Papers
Yes—tear them.
Don’t cut them.
Torn edges give a soft, worn, vintage look.
Make small rectangles and strips.
Step 2: Layer 3–5 papers
Start with brown paper → book page → light paper → sticker.
Don’t make the layers perfect—let edges stick out unevenly.
This creates the aesthetic charm.
Step 3: Add One Focal Sticker
This is your star.
It can be a:
- flower
- leaf
- butterfly
- small label
- stamp
- quote
Place it on top.
Step 4: Add a small piece of washi tape
Place it across one corner for extra charm.
Step 5: Glue everything together
Your aesthetic decoration is ready!
Create 5–10 of these at once and store them.
Use them anytime you want your journal to look beautiful effortlessly.
Try Making Side Strips Too (Also shown in the videos)
Another aesthetic trick is paper side strips.
Here’s how to make them:
- Tear a long strip of brown paper.
- Paste it along the side of your journal page.
- Add a small piece of washi tape on top.
- Add a mini sticker at the corner.
This instantly gives a cozy, scrapbook feel.
Write Your Titles in Simple, Neat Styles
You don’t need fancy calligraphy (or use it, if you know calligraphy !)
Aesthetic journals often use:
- thin uppercase letters
- soft cursive
- pencil + pen outline
- shaded letters
You can also write the title on a torn piece of paper and paste it instead.
This looks especially aesthetic.
Add Your Real Thoughts (This Makes It Personal)
A lot of aesthetic spreads online don’t show writing.
But your journal is yours. Write whatever feels real:
- your mood
- your goals
- what happened today
- a small gratitude list
- a quote you love
- something you want to remember
Meaning > Decoration
Always.
Leave Some Empty Space (Trust Me)
Beginners often fill the whole page.
But aesthetic journaling needs breathing room.
White space keeps your spread calm and soothing.
Your eyes need somewhere to rest.
So don’t feel afraid to leave gaps.
It actually makes your page look more professional.
Aesthetic Journaling Isn’t About All Skills
When people search for “aesthetic journaling,” they usually want two things:
- A journal that feels beautiful
- A method that helps them slow down
Aesthetic journaling is not a competition; it’s the opposite.
It’s where you get to:
- relax
- express
- create
- empty your mind
- make something soft and pretty
- feel good
If your journal feels calming to you, it is aesthetic.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Enjoy the Process
You don’t need 50 sticker packs.
You don’t need perfect handwriting.
You don’t need expensive stationery.
All you need is:
- a color theme
- some torn paper
- a few stickers
- a pen
- and a little bit of intention
Start small.
Make one paper cluster today.
Or write one title.
Or decorate one corner of a page.
Slowly, your journal will begin to reflect your personality and your mood.
And trust me, you will love the journey.
